The Surprising Role Stomach Acid Plays In Gerd
If malabsorption of carbs can cause increased abdominal pressurewhich leads to heartburnwhats the reason for the absorption problem in the first place? Interestingly enough, this question brings us right back to healthy stomach acid levels.
Low stomach acid can cause malabsorption of carbs and bacterial overgrowth. In many cases, low stomach acid may be the driving force behind increased IAP and GERD. Lets explore how.
Who Is Tif Surgery Right For
As appealing as TIF surgery seems, it is not right for everyone. Suitable candidates are those who have had limited to no success managing their GERD symptoms with lifestyle changes, proton pump inhibitors, and remedies. Also, individuals who are interested in surgical treatment options but are wary of conventional options can benefit from TIF surgery.
If you experience frequent, yet unmanageable episodes of acid reflux or heartburn that stop responding to antacids or PPIs or are worried about the dangers of long-term proton pump inhibitor use, you may be a good candidate for transoral incisionless fundoplication treatment.
Stage : Reflux Induced Precancerous Lesions Or Esophageal Cancer
Stage 4 is the result of many years of untreated severe reflux. 10% of patients with long-term GERD progress to stage 4. They develop a pre-cancerous condition called Barretts esophagus. Barretts esophagus may progress to cancer if untreated. There are different modalities of treatment for Barretts esophagus aimed at preventing progression to cancer. Close follow up and management by a reflux expert is highly recommended.
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What Are Gerd Complications
The condition of GERD alone is not dangerous, but untreated, long-term GERD can lead to more serious medical problems, such as:
- Strictures: The damaged lining of the esophagus can become scarred. This can cause the esophagus to narrow. This can cause problems when eating and drinking by preventing items eaten from reaching the stomach.
- Esophagitis: This is the inflammation and irritation of the esophagus caused by stomach acid. It can lead to heartburn, chest pain, ulcers, trouble swallowing, and bleeding.
- Barret’s esophagus: This condition is found in people with long-term GERD. The acid reflux damage over the years causes the lining of the esophagus to change. It is a risk factor that can lead to esophageal cancer.
- Esophageal cancer: This is cancer that begins in the esophagus. There are two types. Adenocarcinoma develops from Barret’s esophagus and affects the lower part of the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma affects the upper and middle parts of the esophagus.
If you experience heartburn more than twice a week over an extended period, you should consider contacting your doctor to test for GERD.
Drink Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
In addition to its antimicrobial properties, organic apple cider vinegar may help lower blood sugar, aid weight loss, and improve gut health. “ACV is an alkalizing food, which balances the body’s pH level,” Park adds. “Slightly alkaline is the ideal state you want your body to be in to be able to fight off microbes and cancerous cells.”
As for methodology, make sure to buy organic, raw, unfiltered vinegar that comes in a glass bottle. Down a teaspoon or two each morning, and chase it with water. “Try holding it in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing,” Park advises. “This stimulates the saliva production and initiates the stomach in producing digestive acid.”
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What Causes Acid Reflux
In healthy individuals, a muscle at the bottom of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter acts as a valve, allowing food to pass from the esophagus to the stomach and then closing to prevent a backflow of stomach contents and stomach acid into the esophagus.
In some people, the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes or does not close properly, emptying stomach acid into the esophagus. This is called acid reflux or acid indigestion, and it causes a symptom called heartburn.
Occasional heartburn is common, but severe heartburn, chronic acid reflux, and symptoms of GERD should be evaluated and treated. Untreated GERD can lead to chronic inflammation, permanent damage to the esophagus, Barretts esophagus, and other serious complications.
Certain foods are trigger foods for acid reflux and GERD symptoms because they increase acid production. These include spicy foods, fried foods, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and onions.
Risk factors for experiencing heartburn include hiatal hernia, a condition in which the stomach bulges into the chest cavity, obesity, and the use of certain medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs. Pregnant women are also at higher risk.
How Long Does It Take The Body To Heal From Bulimia
Depending on several factors, it may take several months or even a few years to find recovery from bulimia. The repetitive and harmful behaviors associated with bulimia must be replaced with healthier coping mechanisms, which takes time and dedication to a new way of thinking and reacting to stressful situations.
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Treat Your Bacterial Overgrowth
The next step in understanding how to cure GERD without drugs is addressing bacterial overgrowth. Low stomach acid allows bacteria to thrive in the stomach, compete for nutrients, and generate excess gas. Treating the problem can involve several steps, depending on your individual underlying issues.
Whats The Difference Between Heartburn Acid Reflux And Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
First, lets take a quick look at three termsacid reflux, heartburn, and GERDwhich are often used interchangeably. While all three are similar digestive tract conditions, there are subtle differences between them.
Acid reflux is the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. The esophagus or food pipe is a tube in the upper GI tract that connects the throat to the stomach. During an episode of acid reflux, you experience a burning sensation in the chest called heartburn. Therefore, acid reflux is a physical event, and heartburn is a symptom caused by acid reflux.
In some people, acid reflux can progress to a more severe form called gastroesophageal reflux disease . This condition is associated with chronic acid reflux and chronic heartburn two or more times a week.
Other symptoms of GERD can include regurgitation of a sour liquid or food, a bitter or sour taste, coughing, difficulty swallowing, wheezing, and chest pain. Symptoms of GERD occur especially after eating spicy foods, eating large meals, and when lying down or bending over.
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How To Heal Damage From Acid Reflux
This article was medically reviewed by Michael Warner, MD. Dr. Warner is a practicing Internal Medicine Physician and Medical Director in Toronto. In addition to his medical practice, he runs AdvisoryMD, a consultancy that bridges medicine and business and serves to connect other physicians with real estate space, personal finance education, and career coaching. He received his MD from Queen’s University School of Medicine in 2004 and his MBA from the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management in 2010.There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 89% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 151,695 times.
Studies show that patients who experience acid reflux may suffer from esophageal damage accompanied by irritation, inflammation, and pain that is caused by stomach acid.XResearch source Its wise to focus on long-term treatment of your acid reflux in order to allow the esophagus time to heal to prevent long-term damage. Experts note that through lifestyle changes and medication, you can heal your esophagus and keep your digestive system in working order.XResearch source
Gerd Can Masquerade As Other Diseases
Increasingly, we are becoming aware that the irritation and damage to the esophagus from continual presence of acid can prompt an entire array of symptoms other than simple heartburn. Experts recognize that often the role of acid reflux has been overlooked as a potential factor in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with chronic cough, hoarseness and asthma-like symptoms. In some instances, patients have never reported heartburn, and in others the potential causal link between reflux and the onset of these so-called extra-esophageal manifestations has not been fully recognized. Physicians are increasingly becoming aware that it is good clinical practice to evaluate the possible presence of reflux in patients with chronic cough and asthma-like symptoms, as well as the importance that acid suppression and treating underlying reflux can have in potentially improving the symptoms in these patients.
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Tif Surgery: A Permanent Cure For Gerd
Thanks to advances in medical technology and practices, there is now an incisionless procedure for gastroesophageal reflux disease. The procedure is so safe and effective that its a permanent solution for anyone wanting relief from chronic heartburn or acid reflux disease.
TIF, or transoral incisionless fundoplication, is a safe and minimally invasive treatment for acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD. Its a quick yet highly effective procedure that is done on an outpatient basis. The entire procedure is performed without any incisions. Patients can go home right after a brief stint in the recovery area before discharge home. Theres also very little downtime. Patients often resume most of their normal activities the following day. Results provide long-lasting relief for acid reflux, heartburn and GERD symptoms.
The Most Common Digestive Disorder In America
Almost everyone experiences occasional acid reflux when stomach acid manages to make its way up into the esophagus. However, if this happens frequently and causes uncomfortable symptoms or complications, you could receive a GERD diagnosis. Symptoms of GERD can include:
- Dental erosions
As the most common digestive disorder in the United States, GERD affects an astonishingly large portion of Americans. Up to 40 percent experience symptoms once a month and 20 percent experience them once a week. That growing problem has been a boon for pharmaceutical companies, as Americans spend over $13 billion on acid-stopping medications each year. In 2010, sales of esomeprazole, a PPI prescribed to manage GERD, among other conditions, alone exceeded $5 billion in sales.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease causes uncomfortable, painful symptomsbut the health risks of the drugs used to treat it can be even more distressing. Check out this article for tips on how to cure GERD without PPIs, H2 blockers, and other medication.
Aside from an uncomfortable and frequent burning sensation, GERD also carries some long-term complications. Unlike the stomach, the esophagus doesnt have a protective layer to prevent acid damage. As a result, GERD can lead to:
- Cancer of the esophagus
In addition, research demonstrates a strong link between GERD and irritable bowel syndrome , which is now the second-leading cause of missed work in the nation.
Better supplementation. Fewer supplements.
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How Gastroenterologists Help With Gerd
The key to treating your GERD: a board-certified gastroenterologist
If you are suffering from chronic acid reflux, a specialist can help. GERD is a potentially serious condition, and it will not go away on its own. Untreated GERD can lead to inflammation of the esophagus and cause complications like ulcers, strictures and increased risk of Barretts esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer.
A gastroenterologist is a physician with specialized training in managing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract . Our gastroenterologists are fellowship-trained and qualified to diagnose GERD and help develop a meet your treatment plan.
Why Antidepressant Withdrawal
Antidepressants work by altering the levels of neurotransmitters chemical messengers that attach to receptors on neurons throughout the body and influence their activity. Neurons eventually adapt to the current level of neurotransmitters, and symptoms that range from mild to distressing may arise if the level changes too much too fast for example, because you’ve suddenly stopped taking your antidepressant. They’re generally not medically dangerous but may be uncomfortable.
Among the newer antidepressants, those that influence the serotonin system selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are associated with a number of withdrawal symptoms, often called antidepressant or SSRI discontinuation syndrome. Stopping antidepressants such as bupropion that do not affect serotonin systems dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors seems less troublesome overall, although some patients develop extreme irritability.
Having discontinuation symptoms doesn’t mean you’re addicted to your antidepressant. A person who is addicted craves the drug and often needs increasingly higher doses. Few people who take antidepressants develop a craving or feel a need to increase the dose.
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What Are The Gerd Symptoms
The most common Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease symptoms include:
– Heartburn: A burning feeling in your chest that often occurs after eating
– Regurgitation: The sensation of acid or food coming back up your throat
– Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing
Other, less common symptoms include:
– A sour taste in your mouth
– Bad breath
GERD symptoms can be worse when you lie down or bend over.
Coming Off Your Medication Can Cause Antidepressant Withdrawal And Could Set You Up For A Relapse Of Depression
Can going off your medication cause antidepressant withdrawal symptoms ? About 10% of women ages 18 and over take antidepressants. As many of us know, these medications can be a godsend when depression has robbed life of its joy and made it hard to muster the energy and concentration to complete everyday tasks. But as you begin to feel better and want to move on, how long should you keep taking the pills?
If you’re doing well on antidepressants and not complaining of too many side effects, many physicians will renew the prescription indefinitely figuring that it offers a hedge against a relapse of depression. But side effects that you may have been willing to put up with initially sexual side effects , headache, insomnia, drowsiness, vivid dreaming, or just not feeling like yourself can become less acceptable over time, especially if you think you no longer need the pills.
The decision to go off antidepressants should be considered thoughtfully and made with the support of your physician or therapist to make sure you’re not stopping prematurely, risking a recurrence of depression. Once you decide to quit, you and your physician should take steps to minimize or avoid the discontinuation symptoms that can occur if such medications are withdrawn too quickly.
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What Is The Fastest Way To Cure Gerd
Stacey Miles | Answered January 17, 2020
Options include:
Antacids that neutralize stomach acid. Antacids containing calcium carbonate, such as Mylanta, Rolaids and Tums, may provide quick relief. Medications to reduce acid production. Medications that block acid production and heal the esophagus. Jul 26, 2022
A Proven Holistic 5-Step System For Curing Acid Reflux and Heartburn & Achieving Lasting Freedom From Most Digestive DisordersCure Acid Reflux, End your Digestive Problems…… and Regain your Natural Inner Balance..!
What Is Heartburn Or Gerd
Gastroesophageal reflux is a physical condition in which acid from the stomach flows backward up into the esophagus. People will experience heartburn symptoms when excessive amounts of acid reflux into the esophagus. Many describe heartburn as a feeling of burning discomfort, localized behind the breastbone, that moves up toward the neck and throat. Some even experience the bitter or sour taste of the acid in the back of the throat. The burning and pressure symptoms of heartburn can last for several hours and often worsen after eating food. All of us may have occasional heartburn. However, frequent heartburn , food sticking, blood or weight loss may be associated with a more severe problem known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
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How Extra Pressure Builds In Your Abdomen
Several different factors could contribute to an increase in your IAP. According to current consensus, these include:
- Bending over after eating
- Lying down after eating
While these factors do play a role, I dont believe theyre the primary drivers behind the increased pressure I see in patients with GERD. As microbiologist Dr. Norm Robillard argues in his book, Heartburn Cured: The Low Carb Miracle, carbohydrate malabsorption could be to blame. Malabsorption of carbs can cause bacterial overgrowth, which generates excess gas and increases IAP. That manifests as GERD.
What Causes Gerd It Isnt What You Think
Too much stomach acid is not the driving cause of GERD. Dont get me wrong I agree that hydrochloric acid in the esophagus is bad news. Stomach acid itself is a good thing, but only when it stays in the stomach. When it escapes upwards into the esophagus, something has gone awry.
However, instead of trying to figure out why acid isnt properly staying in the stomach, pharmaceutical companies blame GERD on too much stomach acid and make billions from selling acid-suppressing drugs like PPIs, H2 blockers, and antacids. Meanwhile, the problem of why gastric acid reaches the esophagus is never addressed. That creates a lifelong dependency on medication for millions of Americans, which is incredibly profitable for the pharmaceutical industry.
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The Four Stages Of Gerd And Treatment Options
Reflux disease is a chronic and progressive condition. Treatment options depend on the disease stage. The disease stage is determined by the severity of reflux into the esophagus. This in turns depends on how frequent and how long are the reflux episodes. The longer and the more frequent acid reflux episodes are the more significant is the damage to the esophagus. GERD is also associated with a spectrum of symptoms that ranges from mild heartburn to severe chest pain mimicking a heart attack. GERD treatment options are highly dependent upon an individuals GERD stage.
Increased Risk Of Infection
As I discussed above, stomach acid serves as a first-line defense against pathogens. The ideal pH for the stomach can approach 1 but should be below 3, where most pathogens cannot survive. When the pH rises above 5, several dangerous bacterial species are able to survive.
Acid-blockers can increase the stomachs pH and worsen the risk of a bacterial infection. In one study, Tagamet and Zantac, two H2 blockers, raised the stomach pH from 12 to 5.5 and 6.5, respectively. PPIs can raise the pH even more. In one study, a 20- or 40-mg dose of Prilosec reduced stomach acid levels to almost zeroand increased the pH to almost 7in 10 healthy men.
Without stomach acid, pathogens can thrive. Oral bacteria such as the genus Rothia are over-represented in the gut microbiota of PPI users, indicating that bacteria entering the through mouth are better able to survive in the stomach.
Compared to people on other medications, PPI users have a greater risk of acquiring infectious bacteria like:
- Clostridium difficile
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, is another possible result of PPI usage. SIBO can inhibit nutrient absorption, damage the bowel lining, and cause diarrhea and other GI symptoms. One research study found that 50 percent of PPI users tested positive for SIBO through the hydrogen breath test, compared to only 6 percent of non-users. Meta-analyses have mostly confirmed this association.
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